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Upper Glovebox scratches

jsalbre

jsalbre

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So the other day I installed the ambient lighting in the dashboard that is missing from the recent trucks. The install of the light pipe over the upper glovebox was a massive pain, but I eventually got it done. Unfortunately I didn't realize at the time that I was putting a lot of light scuffs and scratches on the upper glovebox door while I doing this.

My Rebel has the super glossy "carbon fiber" look dash panels that have been in upper-level PWs and Rebels until they switched to the textured trim last year. The finish seems somewhat similar to the piano black trim that's been popular in vehicles for the last 15 years or so. Anyone have suggestions on how to get the scratches out? none of them are deep enough to feel with a nail. so they're definitely just very light surface. I tried to get a picture of them but they don't come out on the camera very well.

Here's a pic of what the trim looks like for reference.

6c39ee37-cb3c-4f09-a2c9-0bfc4edae7f5-IMG_3488.JPEG
 
I’m not an expert, but some thoughts… you could first try automative polish. If that’s not enough, you could try one of those headlights cleaner kits with multiple stages of wet sanding… you’d prob end with polish again as the last step.

I’m not 100% sure this would work so hopefully someone else can chime in!
 
Start as light as possible.

Meguirs used to make a small bottle of plastic polish that I've used on turntable acrylic covers, etc. I think it's less abrasive the toothpaste.

3M also makes a finishing glaze that works great on boat gelcoat, etc. but that's something I have on hand anyway and might try to use.
 
Be careful with doing more research before going down the wet sanding route I offered. I’d consider that a last ditch effort and want to vet it more before getting that aggressive. Don’t make it worse then blame me!
 
jsalbre said:
Well that looks like the way to go. I’ll have to watch some YouTube videos to make sure I don’t make it worse.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Glad to help! Been busing this stuff for close to 20 years, motorcycle windshields, helmet shields, glasses, car gauge clusters, anything synthetic.
 
At closer look it appears the trim is actually hydrodipped with maybe a very thin clear coat over the top. A look through the parts catalog confirms this, as it’s listed as “Painted W Hydrographics”. I’m not sure polishing too much is a good idea. Novus specifically says not to use it on coated plastics. I might start even less aggressive and try a good wax first.
 
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